noun
- atoms or groups of atoms that replace hydrogen atoms in organic compounds
Usage: chemistry; technical
Examples
- The benzene ring has two chlorine substituents attached to it.
- Different substituents can dramatically change a molecule’s properties.
- The chemist identified the substituents on the carbon chain.
- Electron-withdrawing substituents affect the reaction rate.
- The position of substituents determines the compound’s name.
- Bulky substituents can cause steric hindrance in reactions.